Funky Portland Restaurants & Cafes
Fun, Cool, & Unique Places to Eat in Portland, Oregon When Visiting
Jan 8, 2008
Any day in the fun, funky and beautiful city of Portland, Oregon is a unique day. With every visit, one finds more hide-a-ways, shops serving tea and coffee, artsy inspiring restaurants, and cool cafes. Little surprise - after all, Portland's unofficial slogan is "Keep Portland weird."
Here is just a small list of some of the many wonderful places to visit for a good funky meal in Portland, the City of Roses.
Get Great Tacos and More in Portland's Taco Del Mar Mexican Restaurant
Place: Taco Del Mar (Walk-in, casual restaurant)
Location: 736 SW Taylor St., Portland, OR 97205
Contacts: Phone: (503) 827-8311
Info: Located in historic East Portland on the east side of the Morrison Bridge, this itty-bitty lunch spot is funky and hip (okay, almost a dive, but a loveable dive) with a couple plastic outdoor tables and chairs on the sidewalk. No eating inside unless you can find a seat at small counter. Tends to hot inside on occasion.
So why eat here? This Portland treasure is fun, delicious, a good value, family-friendly, and funky. This Mexican eatery serves food assembled before your eyes and made to order. Looking for a bigger place? Taco Del Mar has several locations of varying sizes (though many think this little one is the cream of the crop).
Cost: Average Entree only $4.99. Children’s Menu too. Cash only.
For Ambiance and Spiritual Calming, Visit Portland's Oldest Teahouse
Place: The Tao of Tea
Location: 3430 Se Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Contacts: (503) 736-0119 or www.taooftea.com
Info: Both an eatery and a retail establishment, this tranquil place has everything an Asian tea aficionado could desire, including handcrafted teapots and sets, unique gifts, tasty menu selections, and myriad teas
According to the website, “The teahouse includes a rock waterfall, wooden tea chest tables and bamboo shelves. The teahouse was awarded 'best interior' among 600 restaurants in the Pacific Northwest...”
Cost: Inexpensive; Cash and Credit Cards.
Delicious Breads and Good Coffee are at the Heart of the Pearl Bakery
Place: Pearl Bakery
Location: 102 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Contacts: (503) 827-0910 or www.pearlbakery.com
Info: This friendly bakery was established in 1997 and serves some of the best cups of coffee in Portland. The pastries and sandwiches are fresh and delicious. Take a loaf of fresh bread when you walk over to visit the famous and huge Powell's Books, just one block away.
Cost: Inexpensive; Cash only.
Elephants Cafe is a Local Favorite for Fresh Deli Food and Unique Gifts
Place: Elephants Delicatessen
Location: 115 NW 22nd, Portland, Oregon 97210
Contacts: http://www.elephantsdeli.com/, Telephone: 503-299-6304, Fax: 503-274-1025
Info: This main location in NW Portland features a full cocktail bar (yet is very family-friendly), coffee and gourmet non-alcoholic drinks galore, a very wide assortment of cheeses, house-baked pastries, all sorts of breads, sandwiches, fresh salads and incredible desserts.This is a place to delight all the senses. One can shop and browse deli items at leisure and can ask for complimentary tastes.
Beyond all the amazing food choices, one can shop for housewares and gifts strewn between displays of treats, breads, wines, and olives. Take home frozen versions of many of Elephants entrees and appetizers for meals or parties. A "don't miss this one" location. Fantastic!
For a sweet or fancy party, one can rent the lovely Garden Room for private dining. Virtual tour on website.
Price: Varies from extremely cheap to a costly, depending on hunger and choices; American Express, ATM, Cash, Check, Elephants Gift Certificates, Master Card, Travelers Checks, Visa
For great coffee houses (many of which also serve food), see Ideas for Visiting Portland Oregon and Best Funky Portland Coffee Houses. Visiting Portland is great fun and eating in Portland is a true pleasure. Enjoy!
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